Accuser denies instigating photos
Young Canadians official initiated exchange of nudes, witness tells trial
One of Philip Heerema’s accusers denied Wednesday that he was the instigator in an exchange of naked photos with the former Young Canadians official.
The now 20-year-old dismissed suggestions by Heerema’s lawyer, Allan Fay, that he was the driving force behind the photo sharing.
And he also insisted Heerema talked to him at the Young Canadians studio on the Stampede grounds about sex between the two.
In testimony Tuesday, the witness told Crown prosecutor Martha O’Connor Heerema talked about their relationship after they exchanged nude pictures on New Year’s Day 2014.
“He (said) … he’d like to continue having a close friendship with me and that we don’t necessarily have to go (have intercourse) in the corner or the studio all the time, but we could have fun and explore our feelings,” he told court.
The witness agreed with Fay that he never told Det. Paul Ralstin about the conversation, or the photo exchange, when he first talked to police near the end of January 2014.
“At no time did you tell Det. Ralstin that Phil Heerema made this comment about going into the corner and (having sexual intercourse),” Fay said. “I agree,” the witness said. The reason, the lawyer charged, was Heerema “never said those words to you.” “I disagree,” the accuser said. “He said those words to me.” He said he was upset and scared when he spoke to Ralstin a day after disclosing to his parents Heerema was sharing weird Facebook posts with him.
Fay also suggested the New Year’s exchange was something done between two friends and had nothing to do with the Young Canadians troupe or their respective roles with the group.
“It did (relate to the Young Canadians) because I was a member of the Young Canadians and he was a faculty member,” the witness said.
Heerema, 55, faces 20 sex-related charges involving eight former singers with the group, including allegations of accessing and producing child porn with the witness.
Meanwhile, another alleged victim testified about his text exchanges with the then-business administrator with the Calgary Stampede Grandstand headliners.
The now 21-year-old discussed texts between himself and Heerema in August 2013, while he was on a vacation and after his return.
In the texts, Heerema asked him for photos of his tan lines.
Heerema is charged with internet luring of a minor in connection with that male.